What it was like to be a Norman

David Long author Stefano Tambellini illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Published:8th Oct '26

Should be back in stock very soon

What it was like to be a Norman cover

a fact-packed illustrated introduction to the Norman era, perfect for reluctant readers (Dyslexia-friendly)

Walk in the footsteps of William the Conqueror with Blue Peter Award winning author David Long, who expertly unearths the captivating history, culture and legacy of the Norman era.

Walk in the footsteps of William the Conqueror with Blue Peter Award winning author David Long, who expertly unearths the captivating history, culture and legacy of the Norman era.

In 1066, William the Conqueror led a formidable army across the English Channel, changing the course of British history. Descended from fierce Viking raiders, the Normans became ruthless rulers who built monumental castles, established a new social order and merged their customs with those of the English people. From the grandeur of their fortresses to the harsh realities faced by the common people, discover the intricate tapestry of life during the Norman era.

Through vivid storytelling and captivating illustrations, this book invites young readers to explore the triumphs and trials of the Normans and understand their lasting impact on our world today.

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

“David Long excels at telling intriguing stories from the past” – The Independent
"An expert in distilling complex stories from the past into an informative and entertaining format for young readers, Long skillfully explains how William the Conqueror led a formidable army across the English Channel, changing the course of British history…Through vivid storytelling and Stefano Tambellini’s captivating illustrations, Long invites young readers to explore the triumphs and trials of the Normans and understand their lasting impact on our world today. Published in Barrington Stoke’s trademark dyslexia-friendly format, this is a top class series from a dynamic writing and illustration duo." – Lancashire Post
“Particularly accessible for 9+ readers, with a reading age of 8, this fun fact-packed guide gives young historians a concise route into both the dramatic takeover and the Normans’ lasting influence.” – School Reading List
“Concisely written, well researched and filled with wonderful illustrations, this is a series that I can highly recommend and this new title is another exceptional nonfiction title that will appeal to readers in Year 4 upwards who are interested in history, and would make a great addition to any home or school bookshelf… Throughout the book, Stefano Tambellini’s illustrations allow readers to picture more clearly what life was like almost a millennium ago, adding both to their understanding of the time period and their enjoyment. Aimed at 9+ readers, the accessibility features associated with Barrington Stoke titles mean that this will also appeal to those a little younger who have an interest in history. I very much enjoyed it.” – Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library, blog

ISBN: 9780008746001

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 10mm

Weight: 180g

104 pages